Celecoxib-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles prepared using a novel and controllable combination of diffusion and emulsification steps as part of the salting-out procedure

A novel ROS-activable self-immolative prodrug for tumor-specific amplification of oxidative stress and enhancing chemotherapy of mitoxantrone

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well-known endogenous stimuli has been widely used to activate drug delivery systems (DDSs) for tumor-specific therapy. Unfortunately, endogenous ROS in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not enough to achieve effective therapeutic efficacy and cancer cells have adapted to high oxidative stress by upregulating glutathione (GSH) level. Herein, we devised a novel ROS-activable self-immolative prodrug CASDB with both GSH-depletion ability and ROS self-supply competence. Then, an stimuli-responsive nanoplatform integrating CASDB with clinical chemotherapeutics mitoxantrone (MTO) and PLGA was fabricated (denoted as CMPs) through nanoprecipitation method. The CMPs could achieve desired accumulation at tumor tissues through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. Then the accumulated CMPs could induce tumor cell apoptosis efficiently. Especially, ROS in tumor sites could trigger the immolation of CASDB to generate CA and quinone methide (QM). Then CA and QM cooperatively promoted damage of mitochondria due to oxidative stress and led to cancer cells more sensitive to MTO. Accordingly, MTO could perturb cellular microenvironment of cancer cells then promote the degradation of CASDB. The experiment results demonstrated that CMPs were ideal for desirable synergetic tumor-specific anticancer therapy with negligible systemic toxicity. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) value of CMPs was 6.53 μM, while the IC50 values of MTO was 14.76 μM. And the CMPs group showed the strongest tumor suppressor effect with the tumor sizes increased to 1.2-fold (Control group: 20.6-fold, MTO only: 3.0-fold). This study should be inspirational for designing efficient prodrugs to overcome the handicaps of traditional chemotherapy.

Effect of Solvents, Stabilizers and the Concentration of Stabilizers on the Physical Properties of Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) Nanoparticles: Encapsulation, In Vitro Release of Indomethacin and Cytotoxicity against HepG2-Cell

A biocompatible, biodegradable and FDA-approved polymer [Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)] was used to prepare the nanoparticles (NPs) to observe the effect of solvents, stabilizers and their concentrations on the physical properties of the PLGA-NPs, following the encapsulation and in vitro release of Indomethacin (IND). PLGA-NPs were prepared by the single-emulsion solvent evaporation technique using dichloromethane (DCM)/chloroform as the organic phase with Polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA)/Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as stabilizers to encapsulate IND. The effects of different proportions of PVA/PVP with DCM/chloroform on the physiochemical properties (particle size, the polydispersity index, the zeta potential by Malvern Zetasizer and morphology by SEM) of the NPs were investigated. DSC was used to check the physical state, the possible complexation of PLGA with stabilizer(s) and the crystallinity of the encapsulated drug. Stabilizers at all concentrations produced spherical, regular-shaped, smooth-surfaced discrete NPs. Average size of 273.2–563.9 nm was obtained when PVA (stabilizer) with DCM, whereas it ranged from 317.6 to 588.1 nm with chloroform. The particle size was 273.2–563.9 nm when PVP was the stabilizer with DCM, while it was 381.4–466.6 nm with chloroform. The zeta potentials of PVA-stabilized NPs were low and negative (−0.62 mV) while they were comparatively higher and positive for PVP-stabilized NPs (+17.73 mV). Finally, drug-loaded optimal NPs were composed of PLGA (40 mg) and IND (4 mg) in 1 mL DCM/chloroform with PVA/PVP (1–3%), which resulted in sufficient encapsulation (54.94–74.86%) and drug loading (4.99–6.81%). No endothermic peak of PVA/PVP appeared in the optimized formulation, which indicated the amorphous state of IND in the core of the PLGA-NPs. The in vitro release study indicated a sustained release of IND (32.83–52.16%) from the PLGA-NPs till 72 h and primarily followed the Higuchi matrix release kinetics followed by Korsmeyer–Peppas models. The cell proliferation assay clearly established that the organic solvents used to prepare PLGA-NPs had evaporated. The PLGA-NPs did not show any particular toxicity in the HepG2 cells within the dose range of IND (250–500 µg/mL) and at an equivalent concentration of PLGA-NPs (3571.4–7142.7 µg/mL). The cytotoxicity of the hepatotoxic drug (IND) was reduced by its encapsulation into PLGA-NPs. The outcomes of this investigation could be implemented to prepare PLGA-NPs of acceptable properties for the encapsulation of low/high molecular weight drugs. It would be useful for further in vitro and in vivo applications to use this delivery system.

Pulmonary Delivery of Docetaxel and Celecoxib by PLGA Porous Microparticles for Their Synergistic Effects Against Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

using a combination of chemotherapeutic agents with novel drug delivery platforms to enhance the anticancer efficacy of the drug and minimizing the side effects, is very imperative for lung cancer treatments.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to develop, characterize, and optimize porous poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles for simultaneous delivery of docetaxel (DTX) and celecoxib (CXB) through the pulmonary route for lung cancer.

METHODS

Drug-loaded porous microparticles were prepared by an emulsion solvent evaporation method. The impact of various processing and formulation variables including PLGA amount, dichloromethane volume, homogenization speed, polyvinyl alcohol volume and concentration were assessed on entrapment efficiency, mean release time, particle size, mass median aerodynamic diameter, fine particle fraction and geometric standard deviation using a two-level factorial design. An optimized formulation was prepared and evaluated in terms of size and morphology using a scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

FTIR, DSC, and XRD analysis confirmed drug entrapment and revealed no drug-polymer chemical interaction. Cytotoxicity of DTX along with CXB against A549 cells was significantly enhanced compared to DTX and CXB alone and the combination of DTX and CXB showed the greatest synergistic effect at a 1/500 ratio.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that encapsulation of DTX and CXB in porous PLGA microspheres with desirable features are feasible and their pulmonary co-administration would be a promising strategy for the effective and less toxic treatment of various lung cancers.

PLGA-based nanomedicines manufacturing: Technologies overview and challenges in industrial scale-up

Nanomedicines based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) carriers offer tremendous opportunities for biomedical research. Although several PLGA-based systems have already been approved by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicine Agency (EMA), and are widely used in the clinics for the treatment or diagnosis of diseases, no PLGA nanomedicine formulation is currently available on the global market. One of the most impeding barriers is the development of a manufacturing technique that allows for the transfer of nanomedicine production from the laboratory to an industrial scale with proper characterization and quality control methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the technologies currently available for the manufacturing and analysis of polymeric nanomedicines based on PLGA nanoparticles, the scale-up challenges that hinder their industrial applicability, and the issues associated with their successful translation into clinical practice.

Low temperature, easy scaling up method for development of smart nanostructure hybrid lipid capsules for drug delivery application

Lipid Nanocapsules (LNCs) have been used for drug delivery in cells and animal models for several years. LNCs with unique physicochemical properties for favorable biorecognition, biocompatibility and stimuli responsive (pH/temperature etc.) properties i.e., smart-LNCs, are most promising for future nanomedicine applications. However, conventional phase inversion temperature (PIT) method of LNCs preparation may not be suitable for the fabrication of thermally labile drug loaded LNCs and smart-LNCs. Herein, we report for the first time, a novel low temperature (LT) method for the preparation of LNCs (including smart-LNCs of size 25-150 nm), hereafter, named as nanostructure hybrid lipid capsules (nHLCs), comprising safe excipients such as oil (Labrafac™ PG), surfactant (Kolliphor® HS 15, Brij® S100), and lipid (Lipoid S-75, Lipoid S PC-3, Lipoid PE 18:1/18:1, Lipoid PC 16:0/16:0 etc.). Effects of process parameters on the physicochemical properties of nHLCs were probed to optimize the process. Ternary phase diagram shows that our method allows for great flexibility in the formation of nHLCs with tailored size and composition. This method resulted in drug loaded (regorafenib used as model drug) nHLCs with 95 % encapsulation efficiency and sustained release profile at 37 °C. The drug loaded nHLCs (as prepared or in lyophilized form) has excellent storage stability at 4 °C (for more than one month) as well as biocompatibility similar to that of LNCs prepared by PIT method. Our novel LT method of LNCs (i.e. nHLCs) preparation is a generic method for the development of drug loaded (including thermally labile) and smart-LNCs for future nanomedicine applications.

Antifungal efficacy of Itraconazole loaded PLGA-nanoparticles stabilized by vitamin-E TPGS: In vitro and ex vivo studies

Itraconazole (ITZ) loaded Poly-(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid, PLGA) nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) stabilized by D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene-glycol succinate-1000 (TPGS) were developed by nanoprecipitation and single emulsion solvent evaporation methods to improve antifungal activity of ITZ by enhancing its solubility, and hence bioavailability. Encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, in-vitro release, ex-vivo permeation and antifungal activity were performed for the optimized PLGA-NPs. Characterization of PLGA-NPs were performed by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffractometry. We observed that nanoprecipitation method was more efficient in encapsulating ITZ by using 0.3% TPGS (stabilizer) than single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Our thermal analysis studies showed no characteristic peaks for crystalline ITZ, indicating drug efficiently encapsulated inside the nanoparticle with no compatibility issues. Drug loaded PLGA-NPs preserved the antifungal activity of ITZ against Candida albicans. Drug release profile from the NPs showed an initial burst release followed by an extended release phase suggesting the potential of NPs for sustained release applications. Furthermore, ITZ encapsulated in PLGA-NPs showed enhanced intestinal permeability in the ex-vivo study. In conclusion, the developed nano-system successfully encapsulated ITZ, yielding an increased permeation and consequential antifungal activity.

Improvement in dissolution rate and photodynamic efficacy of chlorin e6 by sucrose esters as drug carrier in nanosuspension formulation: optimisation and in vitro characterisation

OBJECTIVES

Chlorin e6 is a poorly water-soluble photoactive drug. Its monomers form aggregates at the tumour physiological pH, which drastically reduces its photodynamic efficacy. This study aimed to improve the dissolution rate and photodynamic efficacy of chlorin e6 by nanosuspension formulation using biodegradable sucrose esters as drug carrier.

METHODS

A modified emulsion-solvent diffusion method was used to prepare the nanosuspension, where amount of Ce6, ratio of sucrose monopalmitate to sucrose monolaurate as carrier and ratio of dichloromethane to acetone as solvent, were varied using central composite design. Particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release characteristics of the nanosuspensions were evaluated. The formulation was optimised by response surface methodology and its photodynamic efficacy evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

The optimised nanosuspension had mean particle size of ~200 nm, 88% drug encapsulation efficiency and faster drug release compared to pure Ce6. Spectroscopic studies showed that Ce6 exists in monomeric form in the carrier, which facilitated a remarkable increase in cellular uptake, in vitro singlet oxygen generation and cytotoxicity to oral squamous carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The dissolution rate and photodynamic efficacy of Ce6 were markedly improved by formulating the drug as a nanosuspension with sucrose esters as drug carrier.

Preparation of particulate polymeric therapeutics for medical applications

Particulate therapeutics fabricated from polymeric materials have become increasingly popular over the past several decades. Generally, polymeric systems are easy to synthesize and have tunable parameters, giving them significant potential for wide use in the clinic. They come in many different forms, including as nanoparticles, microparticles, and colloidal gels. In this review, we discuss the current preparation methods for each type of platform, as well as some representative applications. To achieve enhanced performance, lipid coatings and other surface modification techniques for introducing additional functionality are also mentioned. We hope that, by outlining the various methods and techniques for their preparation, it will be possible to provide insights into the utility of these polymeric platforms and further encourage their development for biomedical applications.

Targeting Siglecs with a sialic acid-decorated nanoparticle abrogates inflammation

Sepsis is the most frequent cause of death in hospitalized patients, and severe sepsis is a leading contributory factor to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). At present, there is no effective treatment for these conditions, and care is primarily supportive. Murine sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin-E (Siglec-E) and its human orthologs Siglec-7 and Siglec-9 are immunomodulatory receptors found predominantly on hematopoietic cells. These receptors are important negative regulators of acute inflammatory responses and are potential targets for the treatment of sepsis and ARDS. We describe a Siglec-targeting platform consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles decorated with a natural Siglec ligand, di(α2→8) N-acetylneuraminic acid (α2,8 NANA-NP). This nanoparticle induced enhanced oligomerization of the murine Siglec-E receptor on the surface of macrophages, unlike the free α2,8 NANA ligand. Furthermore, treatment of murine macrophages with these nanoparticles blocked the production of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokines in a Siglec-E-dependent manner. The nanoparticles were also therapeutically beneficial in vivo in both systemic and pulmonary murine models replicating inflammatory features of sepsis and ARDS. Moreover, we confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect of these nanoparticles on human monocytes and macrophages in vitro and in a human ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) model of lung injury. We also established that interleukin-10 (IL-10) induced Siglec-E expression and α2,8 NANA-NP further augmented the expression of IL-10. Indeed, the effectiveness of the nanoparticle depended on IL-10. Collectively, these results demonstrated a therapeutic effect of targeting Siglec receptors with a nanoparticle-based platform under inflammatory conditions.

Formulation and optimization of celecoxib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by the Taguchi design and their in vitro cytotoxicity for lung cancer therapy

The objective of the present study was to develop, evaluate and optimize a polymeric nanoparticle (NP) system containing Cxb for pulmonary delivery of Cxb in the treatment of lung cancer. NPs were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion and evaporation method using poly(D, L lactideglycolide) (PLGA). The size of NPs ranged from 153 to 192 nm and was affected by PLGA content, surfactant concentration and organic phase volume. Zeta potential of NPs (-4.5 to -8.6 mV) was more affected by PLGA content and organic phase volume. PLGA content was also the most effective factor on the entrapment efficiency and release rate of Cxb from NPs. The optimum formulation which obtained with 5 mg Cxb, 25 mg PLGA, 0.5% surfactant, 2.5% organic volume and 15 000 rpm showed release of Cxb within 30 h. The optimized formulation co-spray dried with lactose (hybrid microparticles) displayed desirable fine particle fraction, mass medium aerodynamic diameter, geometric standard deviation of 70.3%, 1.46% and 3.38%, respectively. Our results provide evidence for the potential of PLGA NPs for delivery of Cxb through inhalation as means to alleviate the cardiovascular risk of Cxb administration.

Hydrogel-forming and dissolving microneedles for enhanced delivery of photosensitizers and precursors

We present "one-step application" dissolving and hydrogel-forming microneedle arrays (MN) for enhanced delivery of photosensitizers/precursors. MN (280 μm) prepared from 20% w/w poly(methylvinylether/maelic acid) and cross-linked with glycerol by esterification to form hydrogels upon skin insertion, or allowed to dissolve rapidly in skin, were combined with patches containing 19 mg cm(-2) of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or meso-tetra (N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine tetra tosylate (TMP) for drug delivery. Both MN types were mechanically robust, with compression forces of 20.0 N only causing height reductions of 14%. Application forces as low as 8.0 N per array allowed >95% of the MN in each array type to penetrate excised porcine skin, with the MN penetrating to approximately 220 μm. MN significantly enhanced transdermal delivery of ALA and TMP in vitro, with the hydrogel-forming system comparable with the dissolving system for ALA delivery (approximately 3000 nmol cm(-2) over 6 h), but superior for delivery of the much larger TMP molecule (approximately 14 nmol cm(-2) over 24 h, compared to 0.15 nmol cm(-2)). As this technology clearly has potential in enhanced photodynamic therapy of neoplastic skin lesions, we are currently planning animal studies, to be followed by preliminary human evaluations. GMP manufacturing scale-up is ongoing.

Formulation and optimization of nonionic surfactants emulsified nimesulide-loaded PLGA-based nanoparticles by design of experiments

This investigation aimed to develop nimesulide (NMS)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticulate formulations as a biodegradable polymeric drug carrier to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared with two different nonionic surfactants, vitamin E d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), using an ultrasonication solvent evaporation technique. Nine batches were formulated for each surfactant using a 3(2) factorial design for optimal concentration of the emulsifying agents, 0.03-0.09% for vitamin E TPGS and 2-4% for PVA. The surfactant percentage and the drug/polymer ratio (1:10, 1:15, 1:20) of the NMS-loaded NPs were investigated based on four responses: encapsulation efficiency, particle size, the polydispersity index, and the surface charge. The response surface plots and linearity curves indicated a relationship between the experiment's responses and a set of independent variables. The NPs produced with both surfactants exhibited a negative surface charge, and scanning electron micrographs revealed that all of the NPs were spherical in shape. A narrower size distribution and higher drug loadings were achieved in PVA-emulsified PLGA NPs than in the vitamin E TPGS emulsified. Decreasing amounts of both nonionic surfactants resulted in a reduction in the emulsion's viscosity, which led to a decrease in the particle size of NPs. According to the ANOVA results obtained in this present research, vitamin E TPGS exhibited the best correlation between the independent variables, namely drug/polymer ratio and the surfactant percentage, and the dependent variables (encapsulation efficiency R(2) = 0.9603, particle size R(2) = 0.9965, size distribution R(2) = 0.9899, and surface charge R(2) = 0.8969) compared with PVA.

Microencapsulation of chemotherapeutics into monodisperse and tunable biodegradable polymers via electrified liquid jets: control of size, shape, and drug release

This paper describes microencapsulation of antitumor agent 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU, Carmustine) into biodegradable polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) using an electrojetting technique. The resulting BCNU-loaded PLGA microcapsules have significantly higher drug encapsulation efficiency, more tunable drug loading capacity, and (3) narrower size distribution than those generated using other encapsulation methods.

Release profile and characteristics of electrosprayed particles for oral delivery of a practically insoluble drug

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing celecoxib were prepared via electrospraying, and the influence of three processing parameters namely flow rate, solute concentration and drug loading, on the physico-chemical properties of the particles and the drug-release profile was studied. Microspheres with diameters between 2 and 8 μm were produced and a near-monodisperse size distribution was achieved (polydispersivity indices of 6-12%). Further, the inner structure of the particles showed that the internal porosity of the particles increased with increasing solvent concentration. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis indicated that the drug was amorphous and remained stable after eight months of storage. Drug release was studied in USP 2 (United States Pharmacopeia Dissolution Apparatus 2) dissolution chambers, and differences in release profiles were observed depending on the parametric values. Changes in release rate were found to be directly related to the influence of the studied parameters on particle size and porosity. The results indicate that electrospraying is an attractive technique for producing drug-loaded microspheres that can be tailored towards an intended drug-delivery application. Compared with the more conventional spray-drying process, it provides better control of particle characteristics and less aggregation during particle formation. In particular, this study demonstrated its suitability for preparing capsules in which the drug is molecularly dispersed and released in a sustained manner to facilitate improved bioavailability.

Successful factorial design for the optimization of methylprednisolone encapsulation in biodegradable nanoparticles

Due to their crystalline nature, the encapsulation of hydrophobic corticosteroids within polymeric nanoparticles by o/w solvent evaporation method is often difficult to achieve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of both process and formulation parameters on the encapsulation of a model corticosteroid: methylprednisolone (MP). For this purpose, a 3(2)factorial design was performed evaluating the effects of the concentration of emulsifiers and sonication time on the manufactured nanoparticles, followed by a multiresponse optimization. The study also included the evaluation of other parameters such as the type of organic solvent used, polymer characteristics and the initial mass of drug. The optimal nanoparticle formulation using 0.25% (w/v) of emulsifying agent (Polyvinyl-alcohol, PVA) and 5 min of sonication was then characterized. The highest encapsulation was obtained with an organic phase consisting of acetone: dichloromethane (1:1), polyD,L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) 50:50 as polymer and an initial mass of 6.6 mg of methylprednisolone. Nanoparticles size and ζ potential of optimized formulation were respectively around 230 nm and -14 mV. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that the drug was molecularly dispersed within the nanoparticles. Release study showed that MP-loaded nanoparticles sustained drug release for up to 120 h. This study reflects the importance of factorial design to optimize the manufacture of nanoparticles encapsulating hydrophobic drugs.

Microneedle-mediated vaccine delivery: harnessing cutaneous immunobiology to improve efficacy

INTRODUCTION

Breaching the skin's stratum corneum barrier raises the possibility of the administration of vaccines, gene vectors, antibodies and even nanoparticles, all of which have at least their initial effect on populations of skin cells.

AREAS COVERED

Intradermal vaccine delivery holds enormous potential for improved therapeutic outcomes for patients, particularly those in the developing world. Various vaccine-delivery strategies have been employed, which are discussed in this review. The importance of cutaneous immunobiology on the effect produced by microneedle-mediated intradermal vaccination is also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Microneedle-mediated vaccines hold enormous potential for patient benefit. However, in order for microneedle vaccine strategies to fulfill their potential, the proportion of an immune response that is due to the local action of delivered vaccines on skin antigen-presenting cells, and what is due to a systemic effect from vaccines reaching the systemic circulation, must be determined. Moreover, industry will need to invest significantly in new equipment and instrumentation in order to mass-produce microneedle vaccines consistently. Finally, microneedles will need to demonstrate consistent dose delivery across patient groups and match this to reliable immune responses before they will replace tried-and-tested needle-and-syringe-based approaches.

Preparação de nanopartículas poliméricas a partir de polímeros pré-formados: parte II

Nanopartículas poliméricas produzidas a partir de polímeros pré-formados, como os poliésteres alifáticos, têm sido amplamente utilizadas para incorporar, principalmente, princípios ativos lipofílicos. A produção das nanopartículas (nanocápsulas e nanosferas) por polímeros pré-formados pode ser realizada por emulsificação-evaporação do solvente, por deslocamento do solvente, por salting-out ou por emulsificação-difusão do solvente. Estes métodos de produção estão revisados e descritos neste artigo, evidenciando os parâmetros tecnológicos que interferem nas características físico-químicas das nanopartículas, como a solubilidade do princípio ativo, o volume e pH do meio de polimerização, a massa molar e concentração do monômero e a natureza e concentração do tensoativo.

Intracellular drug delivery in Leishmania-infected macrophages: Evaluation of saponin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles

Drug delivery systems present an opportunity to potentiate the therapeutic effect of antileishmanial drugs. Colloidal carriers are rapidly cleared by the phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), rendering them ideal vehicles for passive targeting of antileishmanials. This paper describes the development of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for the antileishmanial saponin β-aescin. NPs were prepared using the combined emulsification solvent evaporation/salting-out technique. Confocal microscopy was used to visualise the internalisation and intracellular trafficking of fluorescein- and nile red-labelled PLGA NPs in J774A.1 macrophages infected with GFP-transfected Leishmania donovani. The in vitro activity of aescin and aescin-loaded NPs on L. infantum was determined in the axenic model as well as in the ex vivo model. The developed PLGA NPs were monodispersed with Z(ave)<300 nm, exhibited negative zeta potentials and had relatively high drug loadings ranging from 5.80 to 8.68% w/w PLGA. The fluorescent NPs were internalised by the macrophages and trafficked towards the lysosomes after 2 h in vitro incubation. Co-localisation of the NPs and the parasite was not shown. A two-fold increase in activity was observed in the ex vivo macrophage model by encapsulating β-aescin in PLGA NPs (IC(50), 0.48-0.76 µg/mL vs. 1.55 ± 0.32 µg/mL for the free drug).

Design of vitamin E d-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate-Emulsified Poly (D,L-Lactide-co-Glycolide) Nanoparticles: Influence of Duration of Ultrasonication Energy

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of the duration of ultrasonication energy on the physicochemical characteristics of the nano-sized particulate drug delivery systems. For this purpose, meloxicam-loaded vitamin E d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-emulsified poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles were designed by using ultrasonication-solvent evaporation technique and were characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy for size and size distribution, scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology and laser Doppler anemometry for surface charge. Ultraviolet -spectrophotometer was used to measure the drug encapsulation efficiency and to obtain in vitro drug release profile. The results showed that the physicochemical properties of the prepared nanoparticles are effectively controlled by the amount of shear stress transferred from the energy source to the emulsion, which is strongly correlated to the ultrasonication time.

Preparation of polylactide-co-glycolide nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib and their antitumor activity against brain tumor cells

Background

Celecoxib, a cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, has been reported to mediate growth inhibitory effects and to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. In this study, we examined the potential effects of celecoxib on glioma cell proliferation, migration, and inhibition of COX-2 expression in vitro.

Methods

Celecoxib was incorporated into poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles for antitumor drug delivery.

Results

PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib had spherical shapes and their particle sizes were in the range of 50–200 nm. Drug-loading efficiency was not significantly changed according to the solvent used, except for acetone. Celecoxib was released from the PLGA nanoparticles for more than 2 days, and the higher the drug content, the longer the duration of drug release. PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib showed cytotoxicity against U87MG tumor cells similar to that of celecoxib administered alone. Furthermore, celecoxib did not affect the degree of migration of U87MG cells. PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity similar to that of celecoxib alone in C6 rat glioma cells. Western blot assay of the C6 cells showed that neither celecoxib alone nor PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib affected COX-2 expression.

Conclusion

PLGA nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib had antitumor activity similar to that of celecoxib alone, even though these particles did not affect the degree of migration or COX-2 expression in the tumor cells.

Microneedle-mediated intradermal nanoparticle delivery: Potential for enhanced local administration of hydrophobic pre-formed photosensitisers

INTRODUCTION

To date, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has been the most widely used agent in topical photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, owing to the poor penetration of ALA into skin, ALA-PDT is inappropriate for difficult-to-treat deep skin neoplasias, such as nodular basal cell carcinoma. An alternative strategy to ALA-PDT is to use pre-formed photosensitisers, which can be activated at longer wavelengths, facilitating enhanced light penetration into skin. Owing to their relatively high molecular weights and often high lipophilicities, these compounds cannot be effectively administered topically. This study aimed to deliver a model hydrophobic dye, Nile red, into the skin using novel microneedle (MN) technology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nile red was incorporated into poly-lactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles using an emulsion and salting-out process. Polymeric MN arrays were prepared from aqueous blends of the mucoadhesive copolymer Gantrez(®) AN-139 and tailored to contain 1.0mg of Nile red-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. Intradermal delivery of Nile red was determined in vitro.

RESULTS

Uniform 150nm diameter PLGA nanoparticles were prepared containing 3.87μg Nile red / mg of PLGA. Tissue penetration studies using excised porcine skin revealed that high tissue concentrations of Nile red were observed at 1.125mm (382.63ng cm(-3)) following MN delivery.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, polymeric microneedles (MN) have been employed to deliver a model lipophilic dye, Nile red, into excised porcine skin. Importantly, this is a one-step delivery strategy for the local delivery of highly hydrophobic agents, which overcomes many of the disadvantages of current delivery strategies.

Itraconazole-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles for improved antifungal activity

Aims: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles containing the hydrophobic antifungal itraconazole (ITZ) were developed to address the need for more effective means of treating fungal infections. Materials & methods: PLGA–ITZ nanoparticles were synthesized using an oil-in-water emulsion evaporation method. Nanoparticle morphology (studied by transmission electron microscopy), size zeta potential (dynamic light scattering), encapsulation efficiency (UV–visible spectroscopy), release profile and antifungal activity were characterized. Results: PLGA–ITZ nanoparticles (of 220 nm in diameter) completely inhibited Aspergillus flavus growth over 11 days at 0.03 mg/ml ITZ; a similar effect was achieved at ×100 ITZ concentrations (3 mg/ml) in emulsified form. The ITZ in water formulation had the least antifungal effect, inhibiting growth for only 2 days at 3 mg/ml ITZ. Conclusion: This system is envisioned to increase bioavailability of ITZ by improving aqueous dispersibility and increasing antifungal penetration, thereby increasing antifungal activity of the entrapped drug.

Electrohydrodynamics: A facile technique to fabricate drug delivery systems

Electrospinning and electrospraying are facile electrohydrodynamic fabrication methods that can generate drug delivery systems (DDS) through a one-step process. The nanostructured fiber and particle morphologies produced by these techniques offer tunable release kinetics applicable to diverse biomedical applications. Coaxial electrospinning/electrospraying, a relatively new technique of fabricating core-shell fibers/particles have added to the versatility of these DDS by affording a near zero-order drug release kinetics, dampening of burst release, and applicability to a wider range of bioactive agents. Controllable electrospinning/spraying of fibers and particles and subsequent drug release from these chiefly polymeric vehicles depends on well-defined solution and process parameters. The additional drug delivery capability from electrospun fibers can further enhance the material's functionality in tissue engineering applications. This review discusses the state-of-the-art of using electrohydrodynamic technique to generate nanofiber/particles as drug delivery devices.

PLGA nanoparticles simultaneously loaded with vincristine sulfate and verapamil hydrochloride: systematic study of particle size and drug entrapment efficiency

PLGA nanoparticles simultaneously loaded with vincristine sulfate (VCR) and verapamil hydrochloride (VRP) were prepared via combining O/W emulsion solvent evaporation and salting-out method. Ten independent processing parameters and two materials characteristics were assessed systematically to enhance the incorporation of the two hydrophilic low molecular weight drugs into PLGA nanoparticles and minimize nanoparticles size. Approaches investigated for the enhancement of drug entrapment efficiencies and the minimization of particle size included the influence of the molecular weight (MW) of PLGA and the lactide to glycolide (L:G) ratio of PLGA, PLGA concentration, the degrees of hydrolyzation and polymerization of PVA, PVA concentration, initial VCR and VRP content, acetone to dichloromethane volume ratio, aqueous phase pH, salt concentration of aqueous phase, aqueous to organic phase volume ratio, sonication time, sonication energy and removal rate of organic solvents. The nanoparticles produced by optimal formulation were submicron size (111.4+/-2.35nm, n=3) and of low polydispersity (0.062+/-0.023, n=3). Nanoparticles observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed extremely spherical shape. The entrapment efficiencies determined with high performance liquid chromatogram (HPLC) by ultracentrifuge method were 55.35+/-4.22% for VCR and 69.47+/-5.34% for VRP, respectively (n=3).

Immunocolloidal Targeting of the Endocytotic Siglec-7 Receptor Using Peripheral Attachment of Siglec-7 Antibodies to Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide) Nanoparticles

PURPOSE

To prepare a nanoparticulate formulation expressing variable peripheral carboxyl density using non-endcapped and endcapped poly(lactide-co-glycolide), conjugated to antibodies recognising the siglec-7 receptor, which is expressed on most acute myeloid leukaemias. The aim is to exploit this receptor as a therapeutic target by constructing an internalising drug-loaded nanoparticle able to translocate into cytoplasm by siglec receptor-mediated internalisation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antibodies to the siglec-7 (CD33-like) receptor were conjugated to dye-loaded nanoparticles using carbodiimide chemistry, giving 32.6 microg protein per mg of nanoparticles using 100% of the non-endcapped PLGA. Binding studies using cognate antigen were used to verify preservation of antibody function following conjugation.

RESULTS

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts expressing recombinant siglec-7 receptor and exposed to Nile-Red-loaded nanoparticles conjugated to antibody accumulated intracellular fluorescence, which was not observed if either antibody or siglec-7 receptor was absent. Confocal microscopy revealed internalised perinuclear cytoplasmic staining, with an Acridine Orange-based analysis showing red staining in localised foci, indicating localisation within acidic endocytic compartments.

CONCLUSIONS

Results show antibody-NP constructs are internalised via siglec-7 receptor-mediated internalisation. If loaded with a therapeutic agent, antibody-NP constructs can cross into cytoplasmic space and delivery drugs intracellularly to cells expressing CD33-like receptors, such as natural killer cells and monocytes.